Type XXI

The Type XXI series of German U-boats were a phenomenal revolutionary design brought about in 1944. Their type was designed specifically for lengthy underwater operations centered around proven high-powered electrical machinery with density cells built directly into the hull. This, in effect, allowed the Type XXI to produce more power submerged than the type could create on the surface of the water compared to diesel and closed-cycle turbine engines in operation with other submarine types.

The Type XXI was of all-welded construction with its eight pre-constructed major sections fused together at the shipyard. The vessel featured an extremely streamlined shape from bow to stern with the elongated fin jutting out amidships. The Type XXI separated itself from its predecessors by implementation of several vital amenities including improved food refrigeration, showers, air-conditioning and air recycling. Armament consisted of twin automatic turrets on the sail mounting either 4 x 20mm or 4 x 40mm cannons forward and aft for anti-aircraft defense. Primary anti-ship armament was 6 x forward-facing 533mm torpedo tubes with 23 reloads.

The heart of the Type XXI was the series of engines required for the type. This included the 2 x MAN brand M6V40/46KBB supercharged 6-cylinder engines, the 2 x SSW GU365/30 double acting electric motors and the 2 x SSW GV232/28 silent running electric motors. Active and passive sonar systems were the power behind the potency of the Type XXI and negated the sole use of the periscope in aiming, targeting and firing of torpedoes. This addition alone brought about a new age of submarine warfare consistent with submerged philosophies still in use today.

The Type XXI U-boat series began with the U-2501 and ended with the U-3530. These types of German U-boat vessels were also internally known as "Elektroboote" or "electronic boat" due to their heavy use of electrically powered machinery. Two variants were proposed in the Type XXIB and Type XXIC models. The former would have increased the forward torpedo tubes to 12 total while the latter would have seen this increased to a unbelievable total of 18 tubes. The increase in forward armament would have necessitated the elongation of these new vessels to an extent to make room for the added weaponry. The two variants were never produced.

So pivotal was the Type XXI to German Navy operations in the Atlantic that it was given precedent over all other designs in construction. The target production goal was to have some 1,500 examples in service – a number which no doubt would have devastated Allied navy and marine efforts in the region. A target of three submarines per week was envisioned.

Though construction of the 118 Type XXI’s began as early as 1943 and into the final year of the war, the vessels never had time to achieve full operational status and therefore the breakthrough design fell into Allied hands after the war, some even serving in the post-war world. Construction was completed by the Blohm & Voss, AG Weser and F. Schichau shipyard firms.

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Last Updated: 10/29/2008